Tobacco Mousse

ABSTRACT

A foam includes a tobacco ingredient containing agent and/or an inhalable agent, an aerosol forming agent, a foam stabilizing agent, and a foam forming agent. In one embodiment, a weight of the tobacco ingredient containing agent and/or the inhalable agent is 0.1-33 wt.-% of a weight of the foam, and a weight of the aerosol forming agent is 10-80 wt. % of the weight of the foam. In another embodiment, the foam forming agent is a non-protein contain polysaccharide and a weight of the foam forming agent is less than 20 wt.-% of the foam.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to a foam, comprising a tobacco ingredientcontaining agent and/or an inhalable agent, an aerosol forming agent, afoam stabilizing agent, and a foam forming agent.

BACKGROUND ART

Foamed tobacco products have been known in the prior art mainly in thefield of reconstituted tobacco products. Manufacturing processes usuallyinvolve forming reconstituted tobacco sheets out of finely groundtobacco particles with a foam forming and a foam stabilizing agent,followed by shredding the reconstituted sheets, and blending withnatural tobacco shreds. The reconstituted tobacco products are usuallyused for the manufacture of cigarettes.

For example, tobacco foams are used for producing reconstituted tobacco,as disclosed in e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 4,002,178 A, wherein the precursorsglycerine and propylene glycol are used in an amount of less than 5%,and tobacco in about 70%. U.S. Pat. No. 7,500,485B1 describes a foamedtobacco composition wherein the amount of tobacco is about 40 wt.-%.

However, these foams are intended for use by combustion as a replacementfor tobacco using reconstituted tobacco.

Further, foams comprising tobacco that are used for combustion, i.e.burning, are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,500,485 B1, US 2016/286851 A1and US 2011/088708 A1.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,500,485 B1 relates to a foamed tobacco composition whichincludes tobacco particles, water and a foam stabilizer which is ahydrophobically modified hydroxyalkylated carbohydrate, as well as theuse thereof in a low density tobacco sheet material, which then can beused to produce filler material in cigars, cigarettes or pipes.

In US 2016/286851 A1 a smoking composition comprising an aerosol-formingsubstrate and a flavor precursor compound is disclosed.

US 2011/088708 A1 describes smokable filler materials and a process formaking same, wherein the smokable filler material comprises a foamingagent, an agent capable of forming chemical cross-linkages, and across-linking agent.

The spread and popularity of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) camewith the need and possibility for novel tobacco products to be vaporizedand inhaled by smokers. E-cigarettes or similar devices like electronicpipes usually generate an aerosol by heating a liquid comprising anaerosol forming agent, water, and optionally additional flavoring andnicotine. Overall, this can lead to an uneven smoking profile, whereinthe experienced flavor of puffs can differ significantly, e.g. by aninefficient extraction of key compounds in the liquid.

The problem of the present invention is to provide a product that canprovide a more homogeneous evaporation profile, thereby providing asmoker with an even smoking profile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The inventors have found that an aerosol containing a tobacco ingredientcontaining agent and/or an inhalable agent can be more homogeneouslyreleased from a foam wherein an aerosol forming agent is contained.

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a foam comprising atobacco ingredient containing agent and/or an inhalable agent, anaerosol forming agent, a foam stabilizing agent, and a foam formingagent, wherein the weight of the tobacco ingredient containing agentand/or the inhalable agent is 0.1-33 wt.-% of the weight of the foam,and the weight of the aerosol forming agent is 10-70 wt.-% of the weightof the foam. Further disclosed is in a second aspect a foam essentiallyconsisting of a tobacco ingredient containing agent and/or an inhalableagent, an aerosol forming agent, a foam stabilizing agent, and a foamforming agent. According to certain embodiments, the foam consists of atobacco ingredient containing agent and/or an inhalable agent, anaerosol forming agent, a foam stabilizing agent, and a foam formingagent, and unavoidable impurities. Also disclosed is in a third aspect afoam comprising: a tobacco ingredient containing agent and/or aninhalable agent, an aerosol forming agent, a foam stabilizing agent, anda foam forming agent, wherein the foam forming agent is preferably anon-protein contain polysaccharide, and wherein the weight of the foamforming agent is less than 20 wt.-% of the foam. More preferably theweight of the foam forming agent is less than 10 wt.-% and mostpreferably the weight of the foam forming agent is less than 5 wt.-% ofthe foam.

In another aspect of the present invention a method of generating anaerosol is disclosed, the method comprising heating a foam comprising atobacco flavor containing agent, an aerosol forming agent, a foamstabilizing agent, and a foam forming agent, particularly the foamaccording to the first and/or second and/or third aspect of the presentinvention, in the absence of combustion at 150-350° C.

Further provided is a method of forming a foam, comprising, mixing anaerosol forming agent, a foam forming agent, and optionally a solvent,under heating, optionally injecting a gas, adding to the mixture atobacco ingredient containing agent and/or an inhalable agent, adding afoam stabilizing agent, and cooling of the mixture.

Also disclosed is a method of forming a foam, comprising mixing anaerosol forming agent and optionally a solvent, under heating; adding tothe mixture a tobacco ingredient containing agent and/or an inhalableagent; adding a foam forming agent; optionally injecting a gas; adding afoam stabilizing agent; and cooling of the mixture.

Particularly, the foams of the first and second and third aspect of theinvention can be formed with the present methods.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of supplyinga foam to an aerosol generation apparatus, the method comprising:removably providing a foam to a receiving portion of the apparatus, thereceiving portion operatively connected to a heat transfer system forgeneration of an aerosol from said foam.

Disclosed is also a kit for supplying a tobacco ingredient containingagent and/or an inhalable agent containing foam, comprising a foamcomprising a foam stabilizing agent, a foam forming agent, andoptionally a first aerosol forming agent; and a mixture containing

-   -   a tobacco ingredient containing agent and/or an inhalable agent,        and    -   a second aerosol forming agent,        wherein the weight of the tobacco ingredient containing agent        and/or the inhalable agent is 0.1-33 wt.-% of the weight of the        foam and the mixture, and the total weight of the first and        second aerosol forming agent in the kit is 10-80 wt. %,        preferably 40-70 wt.-%, of the weight of the foam and the        mixture.

Even further the present invention refers to a foam comprising a foamstabilizing agent, a foam forming agent, and an aerosol forming agent,wherein the weight of the aerosol forming agent in the foam is 10-80 wt.%, preferably 40-70 wt.-%, of the weight of the foam.

Also disclosed is a packaging containing a foam of the presentinvention, i.e. of the first to third aspect and of the aspect discussedbefore, i.e comprising a foam stabilizing agent, a foam forming agent,and an aerosol forming agent, wherein the weight of the aerosol formingagent in the foam is 10-80 wt. %, preferably 40-70 wt.-%, of the weightof the foam.

Further aspects and embodiments of the invention are disclosed in thedependent claims and can be taken from the following description andexamples, without being limited thereto.

FIGURES

The enclosed drawing should illustrate embodiments of the presentinvention and convey a further understanding thereof. In connection withthe description it serves as explanation of concepts and principles ofthe invention. Other embodiments and many of the stated advantages canbe derived in relation to the drawing.

FIG. 1 shows a smoking profile of a tobacco mousse comprising thepresent foam.

FIGS. 2 to 8 show results obtained in present Example 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs.

All values given in the present disclosure are to be understood to becomplemented by the word “about”, unless it is clear to the contraryfrom the context.

An open pored foam as used herein is to be understood as a foam, whereinthe gas pockets in the foam connect with each other, contrary to aclosed-cell foam, wherein the gas is in discrete pockets, eachcompletely enclosed by a foam material.

A tobacco ingredient containing agent can be any compound, mixture,particle matter, and/or solution that contains and/or carries aconstituent of tobacco, either artificially included or naturallycontained in tobacco, e.g. tobacco, tobacco particles, tobacco flavorand/or nicotine. In contrast, an example for an artificially addednon-tobacco-specific flavor would be menthol.

An inhalable agent can be any compound, mixture, particle matter and/orsolution that may be inhaled, for example as a gas and/or aerosol, andit e.g. includes and/or carries at least one of a stimulant, e.g.caffeine, guarana and combinations thereof, and/or a flavor, e.g.menthol, natural and/or artificial plant flavors, saccharides, animalflavors, and combinations thereof. The inhalable agents can be includedto have the same approximate proportion with the aerosol forming agentas found in conventional e-liquids well known to persons skilled in theart.

An aerosol forming agent can be any compound, mixture and/or solutionthat is capable of forming an aerosol, e.g. when heated and/or inmixture with a tobacco ingredient containing agent and/or an inhalableagent.

An aerosol generation apparatus within the present invention is notparticularly limited, and is used to generate an aerosol. It cancomprise, for example, an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or similardevices, like electronic pipes.

An electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or similar devices like electronicpipes, as referred to in the present invention, are not particularlylimited, and may be used to provide a user with an aerosol to inhale. Itcan, according to certain embodiments, comprise a mouthpiece, a heater,a receiving portion, e.g. a pod, and a casing.

A pod is not particularly limited and can be a storage device into whichthe present foam can be, e.g. removably, inserted. It can for example bein cylindrical, conical, stick and/or cuboid form, but is not limited tosuch shapes.

An induction heating system as referred to in the present invention andmentioned as an example of a heater is not particularly limited and maybe any system which uses electromagnetic induction created by a coilpositioned around an electrically conducting material, and moreparticularly a ferromagnetic material, to generate heat.

As used herein, wt.-% is to be understood as weight percent, based onthe total weight of the foam, unless explicitly otherwise specified. Inthe present disclosure, all amounts are given in wt.-%, unless clearlystated otherwise or obvious from context. In the present disclosure,furthermore all amounts given in wt.-% in a particular foam add up to100 wt.-%. The weight percent are thereby calculated by dividing themass of each component by the total mass of the foam, unless indicatedotherwise or clear from context.

Particle sizes, as disclosed in this invention, can be measured by anysuitable method, e.g. sieving or laser diffraction, preferably sieving.

The present invention relates to a foam comprising: a tobacco ingredientcontaining agent and/or an inhalable agent, an aerosol forming agent, afoam stabilizing agent, and a foam forming agent, wherein the weight ofthe tobacco ingredient containing agent and/or the inhalable agent is0.1-33 wt.-% of the weight of the foam, and the weight of the aerosolforming agent is 10-80 wt.-%, preferably 40-70 wt.-%, particularlypreferably 45-65 wt.-%, of the weight of the foam.

According to certain embodiments, the balance to 100 wt.-% of the weightof the foam is essentially foam stabilizing agent and foam formingagent. Small amounts of water and/or acid and/or ester, e.g. diacetin,up to 15 wt.-%, preferably up to 5 wt.-%, further preferably up to 3.5wt.-%, even further preferably up to 2.5 wt.-%, more preferably up to1.5 wt.-%, and most preferably between 0.5-1.5 wt.-%, at least between0.5-1.5 wt.-% water, can be contained in the foam according to certainembodiments. According to certain embodiments, no water and/or acidand/or ester, e.g. diacetin, or at least less than 1 wt.-%, is containedin the present foam. In burning applications, e.g. smoking articles,normally water is contained in higher amounts as dry smoke does nottaste so good. In contrast, the present foams are particularly notcombusted and the aerosol forming agent can carry aromas and/or flavors,so that the amount of water can be kept low, although some small amountsof water may help to reduce any harshness in the vapour and give rise toa milder smoking experience. Similarly, the addition of a small amountof diacetin (preferably less than 1 wt.-%) may also reduce any harshnessin the produced aerosol as experienced by users.

Further disclosed is in a second aspect a foam consisting essentially ofa tobacco ingredient containing agent and/or an inhalable agent, anaerosol forming agent, a foam stabilizing agent, and a foam formingagent. Small amounts of water and/or acid and/or ester, e.g. diacetin,up to 5 wt.-%, preferably up to 3.5 wt.-%, further preferably up to 2.5wt.-%, even further preferably up to 1.5 wt.-%, can be contained in thefoam according to the second aspect of the invention.

According to certain embodiments, the foam can consist of a tobaccoingredient containing agent and/or an inhalable agent, an aerosolforming agent, a foam stabilizing agent, and a foam forming agent. Insuch embodiment, of course unavoidable impurities can be contained.

A third aspect of the invention relates to a foam comprising: a tobaccoingredient containing agent and/or an inhalable agent, an aerosolforming agent, a foam stabilizing agent, and a foam forming agent,wherein the foam forming agent is a non-protein containingpolysaccharide and the weight of the foam forming agent is less than 20wt.-% of the foam. According to certain embodiments of the foam of thethird aspect, the weight of the tobacco ingredient containing agentand/or the inhalable agent is 0.1-40 wt.-%, preferably 0.1-33 wt.-% ofthe weight of the foam, and/or the weight of the aerosol forming agentis 10-80 wt. %, preferably 40-70 wt.-%, of the weight of the foam.

The present foams, i.e. of the first, second and third aspect, canbe—according to certain embodiments—configured to be heated but notcombusted, i.e. are used in an application where it is not smoked. Thus,disclosed is also a use of the present foams as articles that are notcombusted, and the use thereof in non-smoking applications, e.g. forevaporating devices like e-cigarettes, e-pipes and similar devices. Thefoams of the first, second and third aspect can be used in a vaporizerdevice comprising a heater for heating the foam to a temperature of atmost 350° C., preferably at most 300° C., further preferably below 300°C. and most preferably between 220 C to 270 C.

In the following, the description relates to the foams of the first tothird aspect, unless clear from context that it is otherwise.

The present foams preferably are not smokable, i.e. are applied in a waythat they are not heated to such temperature where they are combusted,but only at least parts thereof are evaporated, particularly at leastessentially the aerosol forming agent and further preferably at least apart of the tobacco ingredient containing agent and/or the inhalableagent, further preferably also essentially the tobacco ingredientcontaining agent and/or the inhalable agent. In the present foams, atleast some parts of the tobacco ingredient containing agent and/or theinhalable agent preferably is adhered to the foam structure and/orabsorbed by the foam structure formed essentially by the foam formingagent and the foam stabilizing agent, so that it can be easily releasedtogether with the aerosol forming agent upon heating. Also, it ispossible that some parts of the tobacco ingredient containing agentand/or the inhalable agent are bound to the foam structure and thetobacco ingredient containing agent and/or the inhalable agent are“extracted” during heating thereof, so that a flavor from the tobaccoingredient containing agent and/or the inhalable agent is releasedthereof together with the aerosol forming agent. According to certainembodiments, the tobacco ingredient containing agent and/or theinhalable agent is configured in such a way that it is released uponheating together with the aerosol forming agent by only beingessentially adsorbed to and/or absorbed in the foam structure. In thisregard it was shown by the inventors that a mass loss in the foam can beobserved that shows that essentially at least the mass of the foamforming agent and the foam stabilizing agent remains. It is assumed thatthe structure of the foam is mainly formed by the foam forming agent,which forms a “capsulation” for adhering and/or absorbing the aerosolforming agent and the tobacco ingredient containing agent and/or aninhalable agent, whereas the foam stabilizing agent stabilizes the foamto keep the foam form.

According to certain embodiments, only a small amount or essentially noamount, e.g. no amount, of the aerosol forming agent takes part in foamformation, i.e. is bound within the foam. The aerosol forming agent doespreferably not form the foam structure and further preferablyessentially is adhered to the foam structure and/or included in the foamstructure, e.g. trapped in pores thereof at ambient temperature of e.g.0 to 40° C., e.g. room temperature of about 20 to about 25° C.

Thus, according to certain embodiments, the present foams willexperience a significant weight loss due to the aerosol forming agent atleast upon heating to a temperature where the aerosol forming agent isevaporated, e.g. to a temperature that is at least as high as thehighest boiling point of all aerosol forming agents contained, butpreferably below a temperature at which the foam is combusted.Therefore, the invention also refers to a foam that is resulting from aheating of the foam of the first and/or second and/or third aspect,particularly to a temperature that is at least as high as the highestboiling point of all aerosol forming agents contained, but preferablybelow a temperature at which the foam is combusted, wherein particularlyat least 40 wt.-%, preferably at least 45 wt.-%, further preferably atleast 50 wt.-%, particularly preferably at least 60 wt.-% of the weightof the unheated foam is lost upon heating.

Also, the foams are—according to certain embodiments—not bound and/orconnected to a carrier, i.e. can be used as is, i.e. as free-standingfoam. Particularly, the foam are not bound to a substrate according tocertain embodiments, but rather are used as is. Thus, according tocertain embodiments, the present foams are stable enough to be used asis, i.e. are self-supporting, and have a sufficient stiffness so thatthey are not bent when picked up on their own and do not require afurther stabilizing substrate.

According to certain embodiments, the present foams are biodegradable.

The following description relates to the above foams described in thefirst, second and third aspect of the invention, and thus applies toeach of these. All present foams can be e.g. in the form of a mousse.

The foam structure in the foams is not particularly limited and can, forexample, comprise trapped air bubbles and/or bubbles of other gases suchas nitrogen or oxygen, e.g. air bubbles. It can be provided as an openstructure with a large surface area, which enables heat and aerosol tocirculate through the foam, particularly during heating, thus providinguniform heating, a good quality aerosol, and extremely efficientextraction of the tobacco ingredient containing agent and/or theinhalable agent. According to certain embodiments the foam is an openpored foam. It can be a liquid foam, a dry foam, a solid foam, or apellet, preferably a dry foam, a solid foam or a pellet. The foamforming agent generally can trap the bubbles when the foam is formed,e.g. whipped, and the foam stabilizing agent can reduce and even preventbreakdown of the foam. The bubbles of the foam may have an averagediameter in the range of 20-120 μm, e.g. 50-100 μm, e.g. 60-80 μm, andabout 98% of the bubbles may have a diameter of 160 μm or less, e.g. 140μm or less, e.g. 120 μm or less. The foam may be formed into anysuitable shape for insertion into an e-cigarette. According to certainembodiments, the present foam comprises at least one blind or holethrough the foam for circulation and aerosol transmission, e.g. one,two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more holethrough the foam. An example shape is an annular pipe shape hole goingthrough the foam portion of any shape, e.g. of about 1 cm diameter, e.g.a 3 mm through hole, or a square, a star, but can also be any othershape or dimension. According to certain embodiments, the foam is havinga structure having a big surface area, e.g. having at least one surfacewith at least one distance between any two sides of the surface or witha diameter that is sufficiently larger than the thickness of the foam.The foam can thus be in the shape of a disc, e.g. a cylindrical disc, athin plate, etc. According to certain embodiments the at least one holeis going through the at least one surface with at least one distancebetween any two sides of the surface or with a diameter that issufficiently larger than the thickness of the foam.

The tobacco ingredient containing agent, e.g. tobacco, may be used toprovide authentic flavor, and is not particularly limited. According tocertain embodiments, the tobacco ingredient containing agent of thepresent foam is at least one selected from the group consisting oftobacco, tobacco flavor such as various tobacco extracts, and nicotineor a derivative thereof. The tobacco, tobacco flavor and/or nicotine maybe derived from any part of the tobacco plant (seed, stem, leave and soon).

Similarly, the inhalable agent is not particularly limited, and may bee.g. at least one of a stimulant, e.g. caffeine, guarana, andcombinations thereof, and/or a flavor, e.g. menthol, natural and/orartificial plant flavors, e.g. flavourings known for use in conventionale-liquids for use with e-liquid vapourising e-cigarettes, e.g. in theamounts used therein, saccharides, animal flavors, and combinationsthereof.

The tobacco ingredient containing agent and/or the inhalable agent arepreferably comprised in the present foam in an amount of 0.1 to 40wt.-%, further preferably 0.1-33 wt.-% of the weight of the foam. If theamount of tobacco is increased above 40 wt. %, particularly above 33wt.-% of the weight of the foam, for example at the expense of thestabilizing agent, the foam, e.g. in a mousse, may become too brittleand unstable. Also if the amount of the tobacco ingredient containingagent and/or the inhalable agent is increased above this amount, theamount of the aerosol forming agent may be reduced, which can cause alower amount of aerosol TPM (total particle matter, which is the amountof aerosol matter retained in a filter per user inhale). In certainembodiments the amount of tobacco ingredient agent and/or inhalableagent comprised in the foam is 1-30 wt.-% of the weight of the foam,preferably 3-29 wt. %, further preferably 5-28 wt.-%, more preferably10-28 wt. %, even further preferably 11 to 27.5 wt.-%, e.g. 15 to 25wt.-%, e.g. 11-23 wt.-%, e.g. 17-21 wt.-%.

According to certain embodiments, the tobacco ingredient containingagent comprises tobacco particles having a particle size of less than200 μm, preferably less than 150 μm, further preferably less than 100μm, even further preferably less than 50 μm, even preferably less than30 μm, e.g. 2-150 μm, e.g. 5-100 μm, e.g. 5-50 μm, e.g. 5-30 μm, e.g.5-15 μm, e.g. 20-50 μm, e.g. 60-90 μm. The particle size can be measuredthrough sieving, and the particles may be obtained through any suitableshredding and/or milling process. According to certain embodiments, thetobacco particles have essentially a uniform size, e.g. a uniform size.

However, it is also possible to add tobacco particles with differentsizes in two or more fractions, e.g. a first fraction with particleshaving a size of less than 30 μm, e.g. less than 20 μm, and a secondfraction with particles having a size of more than 30 μm, e.g. more than50 μm, e.g. more than 100 μm, e.g. more than 200 μm. e.g. about 250 μmor more. Preferably, a, e.g. second, fraction of tobacco particles witha size of more than 30 μm is contained in a mixture of tobacco particleswith different sizes in an amount of less than 90 wt.-%, preferably 80wt.-%, or less, further preferably less than 50 wt.-%, even furtherpreferably less than 40 wt.-%, even further preferably less than 30wt.-%, even further preferably 20 wt.-% or less, based on the totalweight of the tobacco particles. An addition of tobacco particles with asize of more than 30 μm can lead to a reduction in harshness of theaerosol liberated from the foam upon heating in the first puffs.

In the present method, the foam stabilizing agent is not particularlylimited as long as it can stabilize the foam to some extent afterformation. According to certain embodiments, the foam stabilizing agentof the present foam is selected from the group consisting of cellulosegum, hydroxyalkylated carbohydrates, derivatives thereof, e.g. saltsthereof, preferably alkali metal salts thereof, e.g. sodium and/orpotassium salts thereof, and mixtures thereof. Both of the cellulose gumand the hydroxyalkylated carbohydrates are not particularly restricted.According to certain, preferred, embodiments, the foam stabilizing agentis a cellulose gum, particularly a carboxymethylcellulose, or aderivative thereof. An exemplary, preferred, cellulose gum which may beused in the present invention is CEKOL® 2000, a purified sodiumcarboxymethylcellulose. Another class of suitable foam stabilizingagents are hydroxyalkylated carbohydrates, and more preferably celluloseethers and derivatives thereof. A cellulose ether or derivative thereofthat can be used can have at least one substituent selected from thegroup consisting of methyl, ethyl, hydroxyethyl and hydroxypropylgroups. It can further be substituted with a linear or branchedsubstituted or unsubstituted alkyl radicals having 1-20 carbon atoms oran aralkyl radical having 7 to 20 carbon atoms. Such radical ispreferably attached by an ether linkage. Suitable substituents can e.g.a hydroxy group, a carboxy group with 1 to 4 carbon atoms, etc.According to certain embodiments the cellulose ether is selected fromhydroxyethylcellulose, methylcellulose, methylhydroxyethylcellulose,ethylhydroxyethylcellulose, and mixtures thereof. Furthermore, mixturesof different cellulose gums, different hydroxyalkylated carbohydrates,and mixtures of one or more cellulose gum with one or morehydroxyalkylated carbohydrate, as well as derivatives of one or eitherthereof, can be used. Also included as derivatives are salts of thesecellulose ethers, preferably alkali metal salts thereof, e.g. sodiumand/or potassium salts thereof.

The amount of the foam stabilizing agent in the foam is not particularlylimited as long as a suitably stable foam can be formed. For example,the foam stabilizing agent can be contained in an amount of 3-60 wt.-%,preferably 4-50 wt.-%, more preferably 4-45 wt.-%, more preferably4.2-40 wt.-%, further preferably 4.5-20 wt.-%, even further preferably5-20 wt.-%, even further preferably 5.5-16 wt.-%, e.g. 8-40 wt.-%, e.g.12-30 wt.-%, e.g. 16-20 wt.-%.

Also the foam forming agent is not particularly restricted. According tocertain embodiments, the foam forming agent of the present foam isselected from the group consisting of agar, gellan gum, lecithin,polyglycerol esters of fatty acids, glycerol esters of fatty acids,sorbitan esters of fatty acids, and/or mixtures thereof, without beinglimited thereto. A preferred foam forming agent is gellan gum. It hasbeen shown that particularly proteoglycans, but also pectin andalginates, are less suitable as foam forming agents. The fatty acidstherein are not particularly limited and can comprise e.g. 8-40 carbonatoms. Glycerol esters can be prepared by standard esterificationmethods. If glycerol esters of fatty acids are used, the foam formingagent can suitably be a compound such as glycerol monostearate and/orglycerol monooleate. Polyglycerol esters can be prepared by polymerizingglycerin under alkaline conditions suitably followed by reacting themwith specific fatty acids. Suitable polyglycerol esters can behexaglycerol monooleate, octaglycerol monostearate and/or octaglycerolmonooleate. Sorbitan esters of fatty acids used in certain embodimentsof the present invention can be sorbitan monostearate, sorbitanmonooleate and/or sorbitan mono palmitate. Furthermore, any possiblecombinations of compounds belonging to the above mentioned classes canbe used.

By choosing suitable amounts of foam forming agent and foam stabilizingagent together with the tobacco ingredient containing agent and/or theinhalable agent can create and stabilize the foam matrix, which cancontribute to the hardness of the foam.

Like the foam stabilizing agent, the amount of the foam forming agent isnot particularly limited as long as a foam is formed. For example, thefoam forming agent can be contained in an amount of 0.5-12 wt.-%,preferably 1-11 wt.-%, more preferably 1.5-10 wt.-%, further preferably1.8-9.5 wt.-%, further preferably 2-9 wt.-%, even further preferably 2-7wt.-%, particularly preferably 2.25-6.75 wt.-%, e.g. 3-5.5 wt.-%.

Furthermore, also the aerosol forming agent is not particularly limited,and the foam can comprise also more than one aerosol forming agent, e.g.two, three or four, e.g. in the form of a mixture.

According to certain embodiments, the aerosol forming agent of thepresent foam is selected from the group consisting of glycerol, glycolderivatives, sebacate esters, and/or mixtures thereof, without beinglimited thereto. A glycol derivative that can be used in certainembodiments is propylene glycol, and a suitable sebacate ester can bedi-2-ethylhexyl sebacate. Furthermore, any possible combinations ofcompounds belonging to the above mentioned classes can be used. Forexample, a combination of glycerol and propylene glycol can be used asaerosol forming agent. Preferred examples of the present aerosol formingagent are glycerol, propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof, withglycerol and a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerol furtherpreferred and a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerol even furtherpreferred. According to certain embodiments, at least glycerol iscomprised as an aerosol forming agent. According to certain embodiments,the glycerol and propylene glycol can be used with equal weight percent,but also with different weight percent. In certain embodiments, 10-95wt.-% of glycerol and 5-90 wt.-% of propylene glycol, preferably 10-80wt.-% of glycerol and 20-90 wt.-% of propylene glycol, furtherpreferably 10-70 wt.-% of glycerol and 70-10 wt.-% of propylene glycol,e.g. 15-65 wt.-% of glycerol and 65-15 wt.-% of propylene glycol,preferably 20-40 wt.-% of glycerol and 10-40 wt.-% of propylene glycol,e.g. 20-40 wt.-% of glycerol and 20-40 wt.-% of propylene glycol can beused as aerosol forming agent, wherein the total mass of the aerosolforming agent is 10 to 80 wt.-%, preferably 40-70 wt.-% of the weight ofthe foam, so that the two components can be suitably set regarding theirratio. According to certain embodiments, glycerol is used as soleaerosol forming agent, though.

A suitable ratio of propylene glycol and glycerol is, according tocertain embodiments, in a mixture comprising these two as aerosolforming agent or consisting of these two as aerosol forming agent,according to preferred embodiments between 8:1 and 1:8, preferablybetween 80:20 and 20:80, further preferably between 4:1 and 1:4, furtherpreferably between 70:30 and 30:70, even further preferably between 1:2and 2:1, e.g. between 60:40 and 40:60, e.g. between 55:45 and 45:55,based on a weight ratio. According to certain embodiments, glycerol isused in an excess amount compared to propylene glycol if they are bothused as a mixture for an aerosol forming agent or particularly are usedas aerosol forming agent. According to certain embodiments, glycerol isused in an amount of at least 55 wt.-%, preferably at least 60 wt.-%,based on the total amount of glycerol and propylene glycol in theaerosol forming agent. Accordingly, according to certain embodiments,propylene glycol is used in an amount of at most 45 wt.-%, preferably 40wt.-% or less, based on the total amount of glycerol and propyleneglycol in the aerosol forming agent. According to certain embodiments,the ratio between glycerol and propylene glycol is between 20:80 and90:10, preferably between 40:60 and 85:15, further preferably between55:45 and 80:20, even further preferably between 60:40 and 80:20, e.g.around 60:40, e.g. 60:40, based on the total amount of glycerol andpropylene glycol in the aerosol forming agent. The ratio of propyleneglycol and glycerol can influence the basic viscosity of the foam. Ahigher amount of glycerol leads to a higher viscosity and to a bettertexture of the foam, e.g. a mousse and enables a better release of thetobacco ingredient containing agent and/or the inhalable agent, leadingto a better “body” for inhalation due to a better mingling. Further, ahigher amount of glycerol can lead to a decreased level of initiallycreated vapor upon heating, which can have an influence on the harshnessof the vapor felt upon inhalation. At the same heating temperature, alsoglycerol can release less vapor volume than propylene glycol if theheating is above the boiling point of both. A higher amount of propyleneglycol leads to a sweet top note during inhalation especially if 10wt.-% or more, preferably 20 wt.-% or more, e.g. 20 to 40 wt.-%, or morethan 20 wt.-%, more than 30 wt.-%, or more than 40 wt.-% of the totalhumectant/aerosol forming agent comprises propylene glycol rather thanglycerin.

The aerosol forming agent is comprised in an amount of 10 to 80 wt.-%,preferably 20 to 75 wt.-%, further preferably 40-70 wt.-%, furtherpreferably 45-70 wt.-%, more preferably 45-65 wt.-%, particularlypreferably 50-63 wt.-%, more preferably 55 to 65 wt.-%, e.g. about 60wt.-% of the weight of the foam, which is much higher than in the priorart regarding reconstituted tobacco foams, as an aerosol is to beformed. This can for example enable a more convenient foam manufacturingprocess than in the prior art. If the amount of aerosol forming agent istoo high, though, no foam is formed, but a creamy liquid fluid. If theamount of aerosol forming agent is too low, no foam is formed, but apaste particularly without a foam structure, particularly bubbles and/orpores.

Propylene glycol as used in the present invention is to be understood aspropane-1,2-diol. Glycerin or glycerol as used in the present inventionis to be understood as 1,2,3-propanetriol.

The aerosol forming agent can further comprise water. According tocertain embodiments, no water is contained, though, since water inaerosol form can burn the mouth of a user. Water can be contained in anamount of 0-15 wt.-% of the weight of the foam, e.g. 5-10 wt.-%. Smallamounts of water and/or an acid and/or ester, e.g. diacetin,particularly of water and/or ester, e.g. diacetin, up to 5 wt.-%,preferably up to 3.5 wt.-%, further preferably up to 2.5 wt.-%, evenfurther preferably up to 1.5 wt.-%, and most preferably between 0.5-1.5wt.-%, at least between 0.5-1.5 wt.-% water, can be contained in thefoam. According to certain embodiments, no water and/or acid,particularly no water and/or ester, e.g. diacetin, is contained in thepresent foam. If an ester, e.g. diacetin, is included, it is preferablyincluded with 3 wt.-% or less, preferably 2 wt.-% or less, furtherpreferably 1.5 wt.-% or less, e.g. 1 wt.-% or less.

According to certain embodiments, the present foams can further compriseat least one non-tobacco flavoring agent. In certain embodiments, theflavors can be selected from menthol, natural plant flavors, e.g.,cinnamon, sage, herb, chamomile, kudzu (Pueraria lobata), hydrangeaedulcis folium, clove, lavender, cardamom, caryophyllus, nutmeg,bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, lemon, orange, cassia bark,caraway, jasmine, ginger, coriander, vanilla extract, spearmint,peppermint, cassia, coffee, celery, cascarilla, sandalwood, cocoa, ylangylang, fennel, anise, licorice, St John's bread, prune extract, andpeach extract; saccharides, e.g., glucose, fructose, isomerizedsaccharide, and caramel; cocoa, e.g., powder and extract; esters, e.g.,isoamyl acetate, linalyl acetate, isoamyl propionate, and linalylbutyrate; ketones, e.g., menthone, ionone, damascenone, and ethylmaltol; alcohols, e.g., geraniol, linalool, anethole, and eugenol;aldehydes, e.g., vanillin, benzaldehyde, and anisaldehyde; lactones,e.g., γ-undecalactone and γ-nonalactone; animal flavors, e.g., musk,ambergris, civet, and castoreum; and hydrocarbons, e.g., limonene andpinene, and combinations thereof, without being limited thereto. Such aflavor or others can be used alone or in combination. The non-tobaccoflavoring agent can be e.g. added in an amount so that the total amountof tobacco ingredient containing agent and the non-tobacco flavoringagent, in case these two are comprised, add up to the amounts given forthe tobacco ingredient containing agent given above.

In certain embodiments, the foams may comprise an electricallyconducting material, and more particularly a ferromagnetic material, togenerate heat by induction. The electrically conducting material is notparticularly limited and may be any one of, or alloys of, iron, nickel,stainless steel, manganese, silicon, carbon and copper. The electricallyconducting material might be in the form of a powder and/or largerparticles. The amount thereof is not particularly restricted and can besuitably set.

The present foams can for example be formed into a foam pipe, disc,etc., with optionally one or more tunnels and/or holes for the airflow,and a foam stick, etc. can for example be cut into pod-sized pieces tobe placed in a pod.

In another embodiment, the foams can be arranged as a pod, disc, orstick, and may be wrapped in a porous paper, for example with a filterat the tip proximal the user. The porous paper is not particularlylimited and may be made of wood pulp and/or hemp fibers or combinationsthereof. The filtering material of the filter is not particularlylimited and may be any filamentary material conventionally employed fortobacco smoke filter manufacture. The filtering material may be anatural or synthetic filamentary tow, e.g. of cotton or plastics such aspolyethylene or polypropylene, or cellulose acetate filamentary tow.

The present foams may be sold in packaging, e.g. a hermetically sealedwrapper, which may for example be removed by the user or perforated bythe e-cigarette when operatively housed. Another example can be ablister pack containing one or several foam units, either together orseparate, e.g. separated, i.e. in separated packaging units that can beopened separately. According to certain embodiments, the packaging atleast prevents water from contacting the present foams.

A peripheral supporting material e.g. metal or other inert material forheat transmission may surround the present foam. In an example of anannular ring foam, the supporting material can be a metal ring arrangede.g. around the side of the annulus. The supporting material may haveapertures for circulation.

The present foams can form an aerosol upon being subjected to atemperature of 150-350° C., e.g. 200-300° C., preferably at least abovea boiling point of an aerosol forming agent, e.g. to at least theboiling point of the aerosol forming agent with the highest boilingpoint, but to a temperature below which the foam is combusted. The heatcan be supplied by any heat source appropriate, such as an electricalheater or another heat-generating device appropriate, which is notparticularly limited. If the temperature is too low, evaporation of theaerosol forming agent in the foam is insufficient, leading to not enoughaerosol. If the temperature is too high, there is a risk that the formedaerosol is too hot and that the foam may suffer from combustion.

According to certain embodiments, the foams include a porous structurewhich is open-pored, particularly wherein the structure is essentiallyformed from the foam forming agent and the foam stabilizing agent.

According to certain embodiments, the aerosol forming agent and/or thetobacco ingredient containing agent and/or an inhalable agent and/or theoptional at least one non-tobacco flavoring agent is at least to someextent adhered to the foam structure and/or absorbed in the foamstructure, and particularly the aerosol forming agent and/or the tobaccoingredient containing agent and/or an inhalable agent and/or theoptional at least one non-tobacco flavoring agent is essentially adheredto the foam structure and/or absorbed in the foam structure. This waythese components can be easily released upon heating, particularlytogether with the aerosol forming agent.

According to certain embodiments, the present foams further comprise asolvent and/or an acid and/or an ester in an amount of up to 15 wt.-%,based on the total weight of the foam, preferably up to 5 wt.-%, asalready discussed above.

According to certain embodiments, the solvent and/or acid and/or esterare comprised in an amount of up to 15 wt.-% prior to any drying stage,based on the total weight of the foam, preferably up to 5 wt.-%. Watercan be contained in an amount of 0-15 wt.-% of the weight of the foamprior to any drying stage, e.g. 5-10 wt.-%. Small amounts of waterand/or an acid and/or ester, e.g. diacetin, particularly of water and/orester, e.g. diacetin, up to 5 wt.-%, preferably up to 3.5 wt.-%, furtherpreferably up to 2.5 wt.-%, even further preferably up to 1.5 wt.-%, andmost preferably between 0.5-1.5 wt.-%, at least between 0.5-1.5 wt.-%water, can be contained in the foam prior to any drying stage. Accordingto certain embodiments, no water and/or acid, particularly no waterand/or ester, e.g. diacetin, is contained in the present foam prior toany drying stage. If an ester, e.g. diacetin, is included, it ispreferably included with 3 wt.-% or less, preferably 2 wt.-% or less,further preferably 1.5 wt.-% or less, e.g. 1 wt.-% or less prior to anydrying stage.

The present invention further relates to a method of generating anaerosol, the method comprising heating a foam comprising a tobaccoflavor containing agent, an aerosol forming agent, a foam stabilizingagent, and a foam forming agent, particularly the foam of the firstand/or second and/or third aspect of the invention, in the absence ofcombustion at 150-350° C., e.g. 200-300° C. A method of generating anaerosol can be, for example, carried out with the foam of the presentinvention.

In certain embodiments, the present foam may comprise tobacco,optionally nicotine and optionally at least one additional flavor. Incertain other embodiments it may comprise nicotine and optionally atleast one additional flavor. And in yet another embodiment it maycomprise only tobacco flavoring as tobacco ingredient containing agent.And in yet another embodiment it may comprise only at least oneinhalable agent and optionally at least one additional flavor.

The present invention further relates to an aerosol obtainable byheating the present foams in the absence of combustion. An absence ofcombustion herein means heating to a temperature which is below thecombustion temperature of the components of the foam, which generate theaerosol, or even below the combustion temperature of all components ofthe foam. Such a temperature can be e.g. 350° C. or less, for example150-350° C., e.g. 200-300° C.

The aerosol can be released by heating the foam. The aerosol formingagent can be mingled with the tobacco ingredient containing agent and/orthe inhalable agent and optionally one or more additional flavor, and/orextract the tobacco ingredient containing agent and/or the inhalableagent. When the aerosol forming agent is heated and vaporized, the vaporcan be carrying the attached tobacco ingredient containing agent and/orthe inhalable agent and/or one or more compounds extracted from thetobacco ingredient containing agent and/or the inhalable agent andoptionally one or more additional flavors.

Also disclosed is a (first) method of forming a foam, comprising mixingan aerosol forming agent, a foam forming agent and optionally a solvent,which is not particularly limited and can comprise e.g. purified water,an acid and/or ester, e.g. diacetin, and/or an alcohol such as ethanol,1-propanol and/or 2-propanol, or mixtures thereof, under heating,optionally injecting or swirling in a gas, e.g. during heating, whereinthe gas can be for example air, oxygen, nitrogen, or mixtures thereof,adding a tobacco ingredient containing agent and/or the inhalable agent,adding a foam stabilizing agent, and cooling of the mixture.

In addition, disclosed is a (second) method of forming a foam,comprising mixing an aerosol forming agent and optionally a solvent,under heating; adding to the mixture a tobacco ingredient containingagent and/or an inhalable agent; adding a foam forming agent; optionallyinjecting a gas; adding a foam stabilizing agent; and cooling of themixture, wherein preferably the foam stabilizing agent is added afterthe foam forming agent, aerosol forming agent, the optional solvent, andthe tobacco ingredient containing agent and/or an inhalable agent.

With the present methods, particularly the foams of the first and/orsecond and/or third aspect of the invention can be produced. Therefore,the aerosol forming agent, the foam forming agent, the foam stabilizingagent, the tobacco ingredient containing agent and/or the inhalableagent can be chosen as indicated above with regard to the foams of theinvention, as well as the amounts of each of these. Also, at least onenon-tobacco flavoring agent and/or an electrically conducting materialand/or other optional ingredients can be suitably added, as indicatedabove with regard to the present foams.

According to certain embodiments, the step of mixing an aerosol formingagent, optionally a foam forming agent—in the first method—andoptionally a solvent under heating is carried out first. According tocertain embodiments, the foam forming agent is therein added to theaerosol forming agent in the first method, particularly when the aerosolforming agent comprises more than one component, e.g. propylene glycoland glycerol. In the second method the foam forming agent is addedpreferably after the tobacco ingredient containing agent and/orinhalable agent, particularly when the tobacco ingredient containingagent and/or inhalable agent can be dissolved in the aerosol formingagent and the optional solvent and/or when they do not bind to the foamstructure, i.e. are only adhered/adsorbed thereto and/or absorbedtherein. When the foam forming agent is added the viscosity can beincreased, and a bubbly microstructure, e.g. in the presence of air anairy microstructure, can be formed, which enables a constant release ofaerosol from the foam upon heating as well as a release of a consistentvapor volume. In the second method then also the tobacco ingredientcontaining agent and/or inhalable agent can then be contained in themicrostructure and efficiently released upon heating, leading to aconstant vapor stream and stable flavor perception.

In the first method the tobacco ingredient containing agent and/orinhalable agent are preferably added after the foam forming agent. Inthis case the tobacco ingredient containing agent and/or inhalable agentcan be equally distributed and enables a constant release of flavor andstable perception of flavor. This method is particularly suitable if thetobacco ingredient containing agent and/or inhalable agent is at leastpartly participating in formation of the foam.

In certain embodiments the mixture can be heated to 30-80° C., e.g. to45-75° C. when mixing an aerosol forming agent, a foam forming agent andoptionally a solvent. The heating can for example aid dispersion, e.g.by lowering viscosity.

If water and/or an acid and/or ester, e.g. diacetin, are added assolvent and/or additive, they preferably are added in an amount of up to5 wt.-%, preferably up to 3.5 wt.-%, further preferably up to 2.5 wt.-%,even further preferably up to 1.5 wt.-%, based on the weight of theresulting foam. This enables better handling and particularly also makesdrying easier and, according to certain embodiments, even unnecessary.If an ester, e.g. diacetin, is added, it is preferably included with 3wt.-% or less, preferably 2 wt.-% or less, further preferably 1.5 wt.-%or less, e.g. 1 wt.-% or less, e.g. less than 1 wt.-%.

According to certain embodiments, the foam stabilizing agent is addedlast, i.e. after the aerosol forming agent, the foam forming agent, thetobacco ingredient containing agent and/or the inhalable agent, theoptional solvent, and further optional ingredients. The optionalsolvent, and further optional ingredients can be added in a suitablestep, e.g. together with the tobacco ingredient containing agent and/orthe inhalable agent.

The final addition of the foam stabilizing agent leads to a stableformation of the foam matrix. This enables a suitable release of aerosolforming agent and flavor, thus enabling a better handling andparticularly keeping volatiles in the foam matrix. During heating, atleast the foam forming agent and foam stabilizing agent remain asa—disposable—shell after foam formation and evaporation of aerosolforming agent and at least aromas and/or flavors of the tobaccoingredient containing agent and/or the inhalable agent.

In certain embodiments the mixture can be cooled to room temperature andfurther below, for example 15-25° C., e.g. about 20° C., or below, e.g.to less than 20° C. or even less than 10° C., e.g. in a rapid fashion,e.g. in less than 20 minutes, e.g. 15 minutes or less, e.g. 10 minutesor less. According to certain embodiments, the foam can be aged for 4-24hours, e.g. 12-24, or e.g. 6-8 hours, and/or at a temperature of 35-60°C., e.g. 40-55° C. The mixing and addition of components in this methodare not particularly limited and can be suitably carried out by knownmethods. In certain embodiments the steps in the method of forming afoam can be performed in the order as indicated above for the respectivemethod. With the present methods, particularly the foam of the presentinvention can be obtained as well. Thus, according to certainembodiments, the different compounds can be added suitably in such anamount that the present foam is obtained. The corresponding amounts arementioned already with regard to the present foam.

The present invention further relates to an aerosol generation system,comprising the present foam and an aerosol generation apparatus, e.g.the foam as defined above. In the aerosol generation system, the aerosolgeneration apparatus is not particularly limited. In certainembodiments, the aerosol generation apparatus can be any kind ofe-cigarette or similar devices like an electronic pipe. It can forexample comprise a heating system, which is not particularly limited andcan be an electrically heated system or an induction heating system, acontrol system for controlling the heating system, a receiving portionto receive the foam and to convey heat to the foam, without combustionof the foam, and a flow path through the inhalation device to transmitaerosol from the receiving portion, e.g. a pod, e.g. a stick, to theuser.

Furthermore, the use of the present foam in an aerosol generationapparatus as described above is disclosed, preferably in a non-burningapplication, i.e. wherein the foam is not combusted.

In addition, the present invention further provides a method ofsupplying a foam, particularly according to the first and/or secondand/or third aspect of the invention, to an aerosol generation apparatusas described above, the method comprising: removably providing a foam toa receiving portion of the apparatus, the receiving portion operativelyconnected to a heating system for generation of an aerosol from saidfoam. In certain embodiments, the present foam is provided to thereceiving portion of the apparatus.

Additionally disclosed is a kit for supplying a tobacco ingredientcontaining agent and/or an inhalable agent containing foam, comprising

a foam comprising a foam stabilizing agent, a foam forming agent, andoptionally a first aerosol forming agent; anda mixture containing

-   -   a tobacco ingredient containing agent and/or an inhalable agent,        and    -   a second aerosol forming agent,        wherein the weight of the tobacco ingredient containing agent        and/or the inhalable agent is 0.1-33 wt.-% of the weight of the        foam and the mixture, and the total weight of the first and        second aerosol forming agent in the kit is 10-80 wt. %,        preferably 40-70 wt.-%, of the weight of the foam and the        mixture.

The present kit thus at least comprises two components, i.e. the foamand the mixture. Also more than one mixture containing a tobaccoingredient containing agent and/or inhalable agent and a second (orthird, fourth, etc.) aerosol forming agent can be contained, e.g. if akit is to be provided wherein foams with different tastes and/or aromascan be prepared. If more than one mixture is provided, the tobaccoingredient containing agent and/or inhalable agent and the (second)aerosol forming agent can be the same or different. With the present kitfoams in line with the first and aspect of the invention also can beprepared. Therefore, the foam stabilizing agent, the foam forming agent,and the tobacco ingredient containing agent and/or an inhalable agent,as well the amounts thereof, can be the same as discussed with regard tothe foams of the first and second and third aspect of the presentinvention. Also the first and second aerosol forming agents and theiramounts can be the same as discussed with regard to the foams of thefirst and second and third aspect of the present invention. The firstand second aerosol forming agents can be the same or different.According to certain embodiments, the tobacco ingredient containingagent and/or the inhalable agent are adhered to an outside surface ofthe foam in the kit when the mixture is applied to the foam, while themicrostructure of the foam, e.g. bubbles and/or pores, does notnecessary have to contain the tobacco ingredient containing agent and/orthe inhalable agent, although this is also not excluded. As in the firstand second and third aspect, water and/or an acid and/or ester, e.g.diacetin, as well as other optional components, as given above, can becontained in the foam and/or the mixture of the kit.

In the present kit, the foam and the mixture can be provided in asuitable packaging each, which are not particularly restricted and canbe the same as discussed with regard to the foam of the first and secondand third aspect of the invention, or can be different. For example, themixture can also be provided in a suitable applicator to be applied tothe foam.

Additionally disclosed is a foam (also called blank foam) comprising afoam stabilizing agent, a foam forming agent, and an aerosol formingagent, wherein the weight of the aerosol forming agent in the foam is10-80 wt. %, preferably 40-70 wt.-%, of the weight of the foam. Thisfoam represents, according to certain embodiments, a foam as describedsimilarly with regard to the present kit, as well as a foam of the firstand/or second and/or third aspect without the tobacco ingredientcontaining agent and/or the inhalable agent. Thus, again the foamstabilizing agent and the foam forming agent, as well as the aerosolforming agent and the amounts of each can be set as with regard to thefirst and second and third aspect of the invention. Such a foam canserve as a “blank” foam in the present kit, i.e. for adding suitableflavors and/or aromas. Also, water and/or an acid and/or ester, e.g.diacetin, particularly water and/or ester, e.g. diacetin, as well asother optional components, as given above, ca be contained in this“blank” foam. According to certain embodiments, the “blank” foamconsists essentially of the foam stabilizing agent, the foam formingagent, and the aerosol forming agent. According to certain embodiments,the “blank” foam consists of the foam stabilizing agent, the foamforming agent, and the aerosol forming agent.

The “blank” foam can be prepared by the same steps as described in thepresent methods, except that the addition step of the tobacco ingredientcontaining agent and/or the inhalable agent is missing.

Therefore, disclosed is a (third) method of forming a foam, comprisingmixing an aerosol forming agent, a foam forming agent and optionally asolvent, which is not particularly limited and can comprise e.g.purified water, an acid and/or ester, e.g. diacetin, and/or an alcoholsuch as ethanol, 1-propanol and/or 2-propanol, or mixtures thereof,under heating, optionally injecting or swirling in a gas, e.g. duringheating, wherein the gas can be for example air, oxygen, nitrogen, ormixtures thereof, adding a foam stabilizing agent, and cooling of themixture.

In addition, disclosed is a (fourth) method of forming a foam,comprising mixing an aerosol forming agent and optionally a solvent,under heating; adding a foam forming agent; optionally injecting a gas;adding a foam stabilizing agent; and cooling of the mixture. The stepscan thereby be carried out with the ingredients and amounts thereof andin the order discussed with regard to the first and second method.

Further disclosed is a packaging, containing the foam of the first,second and/or third aspect and/or the blank foam discussed above.According to certain embodiments, the foam of the first, second and/orthird aspect and/or the blank foam is sealed in the packaging,particularly sealed in a way to avoid intake of water and/or watervapor. The seal is not particularly restricted in this regard, and thepackaging can be e.g. a blister package with aluminium lining, orsomething similar, as e.g. known from pharmaceutical packaging.According to certain embodiments, the packaging prevents an uptake ofwater at a temperature between −20 and +40° C. and at a relativehumidity of between 20 and 80% of more than 1 wt. %, based on the weightof the foam, within a period of one year, based on the weight of thefoam. According to certain embodiment, a water uptake of more than 1 wt.%, based on the weight of the foam, is prevented in at least 90% ofinhabited locations on earth, preferably in at least 90% of locations onearth.

The above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily, if appropriate.Further possible embodiments and implementations of the inventioncomprise also combinations of features not explicitly mentioned in theforegoing or in the following with regard to the examples of theinvention. Particularly, a person skilled in the art will also addindividual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basicform of the invention.

EXAMPLES

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference toexamples thereof. However, these examples are illustrative and do notlimit the scope of the invention.

TABLE 1 Components used in the present examples 1 to 3. Tobacco Mousse(TM) Compounds Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Propylene glycol 26.50wt.-% 24 wt.-% 24.3 wt.-% Glycerin 32.50 wt.-% 24 wt.-% 36.5 wt.-%Purified Water 2.50 wt.-% 2 wt.-% 1.5 wt.-% Tobacco Powder 23.50 wt.-% 5wt.-% 13.7 wt.-% Gellan Gum food grade 3.80 wt.-% 1 wt.-% 3.8 wt.-%Cekol ® 2000 11.20 wt.-% 44 wt.-% 20.2 wt.-% Total 100.00 wt.-% 100.00wt.-% 100.00 wt.-%

Example 1

Table 1 shows components used for producing an exemplary embodiment ofthe present foam.

For producing the exemplary foam, the ingredients given in therespective column of Table 1 were mixed and combined as follows.

First, the propylene glycol and the glycerin were mixed and shaken,followed by mixing in purified water and shaking again. Next, the gellangum was added and the mixture was shaken again. The whole mixture wasthen heated to about 70° C. for 5 minutes to start bubble formation.After adding the tobacco powder over the course of 5 minutes, themixture was homogenized for another 10 minutes. The Cekol® 2000 wasadded over the course of 5 minutes as well, followed by mixing foranother 10 minutes. Afterwards, the mixture was cooled to 10° C. within10 minutes and aged at 50° C. for 8 hours.

The foam obtained in this way was shaped as a pipe/stick with a tunnelformed within and cut in smaller portions used in a test for determiningthe smoking profile thereof.

FIG. 1 shows the smoking profile obtained in this test, i.e. of a vapourmousse comprising the present foam. In FIG. 1 the lower line indicatesthe total particle matter (TPM) per puff in mg, indicated on the lefthand side of the figure and the upper line shows the taste intensity,wherein the first puff is set to a taste intensity of 100%, indicated onthe right hand side of the figure. The taste intensity and TPM can bekept at almost the same level for a large number of puffs, beforedeclining rather rapidly. This indicates a very efficient extraction ofvolatiles when heated. The TPM can be kept consistent for up to 30puffs, which corresponds to a constant delivery, followed by a sharpdecrease in TPM as the product is substantially extracted from the foam.A significant factor behind the consistent delivery can be the openpored structure of the foam.

Example 2

Example 2 was prepared as described in Example 1, using the appropriateamounts for the components, as given in Table 1 in the respectivecolumn.

Example 3

Example 3 was prepared as described in Example 1, using the appropriateamounts for the components, as given in Table 1 in the respectivecolumn.

Example 4

Example 4 was prepared as described in Example 2, except that thetobacco powder was replaced by menthol.

Examples 5 to 9

Examples 5 to 9 were prepared as described in Example 1, with the amountgiven in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Components used in the present examples 5 to 9 Tobacco Mousse(TM) Compounds Example 5 Example 6 Example 7 Example 8 Example 9 Aerosolforming agent 40 wt.-% 70 wt.-% 50 wt.-% 60 wt.-% 80 wt.-% (60:40mixture (wt./wt.) of glycerin and propylene glycol) Tobacco powder 33wt.-% 16.5 wt.-% 27.5 wt.-% 22 wt.-% 11 wt.-% Gellan Gum food grade 6.75wt.-% 3.375 wt.-% 5.625 wt.-% 4.5 wt.-% 2.25 wt.-% Cekol ® 2000 16.5wt.-% 8.25 wt.-% 13.75 wt.-% 11 wt.-% 5.5 wt.-% Purified water remainderremainder remainder remainder remainder Total 100.00 wt.-% 100.00 wt.-%100.00 wt.-% 100.00 wt.-% 100.00 wt.-%

Examples 10 and 11

Example 10 was carried out as Example 5, except that the amount of waterwas reduced to 0.5 wt.-%, wherein the amount of aerosol forming agentwas increased accordingly.

Example 11 was carried out as Example 5, except that the amount of waterwas increased to 5.0 wt.-%, wherein the amount of aerosol forming agentwas decreased accordingly.

Example 12

Example 12 was carried out as Example 5, except that the tobacco powderwhich had particles with a size <30 μm was replaced by a mixture of towtobacco powders, one of which was the tobacco powder which had particleswith a size <30 μm (80 wt. %, based on the total weight of the tobaccopowder), and one of which was a tobacco powder with particles with asize of about 250 μm (20 wt. %, based on the total weight of the tobaccopowder). After formation of the foam, both were included in ane-cigarette with a suitable pod for receiving the foam (which was cut toa suitable size), and heated to about 200° C. The generated aerosol wasinhaled by a panel of 5 individuals and compared to a aerosol that wasobtained by heating the foam of Example 5 in the same way. Overall, theaerosol of Example 12 was considered less harsh.

Examples 13 and 14

Examples 13 and 14 were carried out as Example 8, except that thetobacco powder was replaced by menthol (Example 13) and fruity Logice-liquid (Example 14), respectively.

Example 15

Example 15 was carried out as Example 5, except that no tobaccoparticles were added and the amount of foam components was adjustedaccordingly.

Example 16

For testing the performance of different foams of the invention,different lots were prepared with systematic changes of componentstherein, prepared into a cylinder with a central hole, and offered to atest panel of 7 people that were testing the aroma and taste thereofupon vaporization.

The composition of the different lots is given in the following table 3,with the weights given with regard to the total composition.

TABLE 3 Components used in Example 16 Ratio of Aerosol components of Lotforming aerosol forming Tobacco powder Non-tobacco Cekol ® 2000 GellanGum food Purified water Diacetin No. agent (wt.-%) agent (wt.:wt.)*¹(wt.-%) component (wt.-%) (wt.-%) grade (wt.-%) (wt.-%) (wt.-%)  1 4060% G:40% PG 33 (100% <30 μm) — 16.5 6.75 3.75 —  1.1 60 40% G:60% PG 21(100% <30 μm) — 11 4.5 2.5 1  1.2 70 60% G:40% PG 16.5 (100% <30 μm)   —8.25 3.375 1.875 —  2 50 60% G:40% PG 27.5 (100% <30 μm)   — 13.75 5.6253.125 —  3 60 60% G:40% PG 21 (100% <30 μm) — 11 4.5 2.5 1  3.1 60 60%G:40% PG 24.5 (100% <30 μm)   — 11 4.5 — —  4 60 70% G:30% PG 21 (100%<30 μm) — 11 4.5 2.5 1  5 60 80% G:20% PG 21 (100% <30 μm) — 11 4.5 2.51  5.1 80 60% G:40% PG 11 (100% <30 μm) — 5.5 2.25 12.5 —  7 60 100% G21 (100% <30 μm) — 11 4.5 2.5 1  8 62 60% G:40% PG 21 (100% <30 μm) — 114.5 0.5 1  9 57.5 60% G:40% PG 21 (100% <30 μm) — 11 4.5 5 1 10 62.5 60%G:40% PG 21 (100% <30 μm) — 11 4.5 0 1 11*² 60 60% G:40% PG 21 (100% <30μm) — 11 4.5 2.5 1 12*³ 60 60% G:40% PG 21 (100% <30 μm) — 11 4.5 2.5 113 60 60% G:40% PG 21 (80% <30 μm, — 11 4.5 2.5 1 20% ~250 μm) 14 60 60%G:40% PG 21 (20% <30 μm, — 11 4.5 2.5 1 80% ~250 μm) 15 60 60% G:40% PG21 (100% ~250 μm) — 11 4.5 2.5 1 16 *4 *4 — *4 32 11 — — 17 40 60% G:40%PG — — 52 4.5 2.5 1 17.1 20 60% G:40% PG — — 72 4.5 2.5 1 *¹based ontotal weight of aerosol forming agent of glycerin G and propylene glycolPG *²mixing time for each step −50% *³mixing time for each step +50% *4:E-liquid comprising PG, VG, nicotine and flavor

For preparing the lots in the presence of air, first the aerosol formingagent was prepared by mixing under heating, unless it was pure, andwater and optionally diacetin were added and mixed in. Afterwards, thetobacco powder was added, and again mixed. Thereafter, the gellan gum asfoam forming agent was added, and again mixed. Thereafter, the foamstabilizing agent Cekol® 2000 was added, and the mixture cooled.

The foam was prepared into the shape given above and used for testing inthe panel test.

Exemplary results are given in FIGS. 2 to 8, wherein different lots arecompared regarding taste characteristics.

In FIG. 2 lots 1, 2 and 4 are compared, in FIG. 3 lots 1, 2 and 5, inFIG. 4 lots 3 and 1, in FIG. 5 lots 4 and 5, in FIG. 6 lots 9 and 3, inFIG. 7 lots 14 and 15, and FIG. 8 shows the result obtained with lot 16.

The lots were described in average by the panels as follows:

Lot 1: good tobacco character and sweetness, consistent taste, lowthroat scratch, easy to inhale, good balance, low negatives, burleyafter taste, good vapor volume from first puff

Lot 2: weaker overall taste, low harshness and low throat scratch,easily smoked, LOT1 better, bitterness after ten puffs, too sweetcondensation and on lips artificial sweetness, lingering on tongue,toasted, taste strength between LOT3 and LOT7, overall flatter, smooth,some tongue prickling

Lot 4: good tobacco taste, easily inhaled, lower flavour and lowertobacco taste, less smoky/roasted, more sweet, less condensation, weaktaste, smooth

Lot 5: more smokey tobacco taste, toasted direction, pleasant sweetness,easy to inhale, low throat scratch, acceptable condensation, vapourvolume fine, smooth, toasty, good level of bitterness

Lot 14: pleasant aftertaste, very high impact from first puff till end,dry, harsh, strong tobacco taste but simple, flat taste in the beginningand getting stronger puff by puff, bitter increase, throat scratching

Lot 15: very bitter, low vapor volume until 6 puffs, after 6 puff highvapor volume, increasing throat scratch, dry, less vapor volume,condensate higher

Lot 16: fresh minty/menthol taste, strawberry vanilla character, tastedecreases over time and becomes quite neutral, overall taste acceptable,berry-mint character, very fresh flowery, condensate and sweet lips,roasty note towards the end, later puffs have strong impact, freshaftertaste, high freshness, some fruity flavour note (maybe strawberry),high in impact, strong menthol bitter, vapor volume good after 4 puffs

1-31. (canceled)
 32. A foam comprising: a tobacco ingredient containingagent and/or an inhalable agent, an aerosol forming agent, a foamstabilizing agent, and a foam forming agent, wherein a weight of thetobacco ingredient containing agent and/or the inhalable agent is 0.1-33wt.-% of a weight of the foam, and a weight of the aerosol forming agentis 10-80 wt. % of the weight of the foam.
 33. The foam of claim 32,consisting essentially of: the tobacco ingredient containing agentand/or an inhalable agent, the aerosol forming agent, the foamstabilizing agent, and the foam forming agent.
 34. The foam of claim 32,consisting of the tobacco ingredient containing agent and/or theinhalable agent, the aerosol forming agent, the foam stabilizing agent,and the foam forming agent.
 35. A foam comprising: a tobacco ingredientcontaining agent and/or an inhalable agent, an aerosol forming agent, afoam stabilizing agent, and a foam forming agent, wherein the foamforming agent is a non-protein contain polysaccharide and a weight ofthe foam forming agent is less than 20 wt.-% of the foam.
 36. The foamof claim 35, wherein: a weight of the tobacco ingredient containingagent and/or the inhalable agent is 0.1-33 wt.-% of a weight of thefoam, and/or a weight of the aerosol forming agent is 10-80 wt. % of theweight of the foam.
 37. A kit comprising: the foam of claim 32, and avaporizer device comprising a heater configured to heat the foam to atemperature of at most 350° C.
 38. The foam according to claim 32,wherein the foam includes the tobacco ingredient containing agent, andthe tobacco ingredient containing agent is at least one selected fromthe group consisting of tobacco, tobacco flavor, nicotine, andderivatives of nicotine.
 39. The foam according to claim 32, wherein thefoam includes the tobacco ingredient containing agent, and the tobaccoingredient containing agent comprises tobacco particles having aparticle size of less than 100 μm.
 40. The foam according to claim 32,wherein the foam stabilizing agent is selected from the group consistingof cellulose gum, hydroxyalkylated carbohydrates, and mixtures thereof.41. The foam according to claim 32, wherein the foam forming agent isselected from the group consisting of agar, gellan gum, lecithin,polyglycerol esters of fatty acids, glycerol esters of fatty acids,sorbitan esters of fatty acids, and mixtures thereof.
 42. The foamaccording to claim 32, wherein the aerosol forming agent is selectedfrom the group consisting of glycerol, glycol derivatives, sebacateesters, and mixtures thereof.
 43. The foam according to claim 32,further comprising at least one non-tobacco flavoring agent.
 44. Thefoam according to claim 43, wherein the aerosol forming agent, and/orthe tobacco ingredient containing agent and/or the inhalable agent,and/or the at least one non-tobacco flavoring agent is at least to someextent adhered to a porous structure defined by the foam and/or absorbedin the porous structure.
 45. The foam according to claim 32, wherein thefoam forms an aerosol upon being subjected to a temperature of 150-350°C.
 46. The foam according to claim 32, wherein the foam defines a porousstructure which is open-pored.
 47. The foam according to claim 32,further comprising a solvent and/or an acid and/or an ester in an amountof up to 15 wt.-%, based on the weight of the foam.
 48. The foamaccording to claim 47, wherein the solvent and/or the acid and/or theester are comprised in an amount of up to 15 wt.-% prior to any dryingstage, based on the weight of the foam.
 49. A method of supplying a foamto an aerosol generation apparatus, the method comprising: removablyproviding the foam according to claim 32 to a receiving portion of theapparatus, the receiving portion operatively connected to a heattransfer system for generation of the aerosol from said foam.
 50. A kitfor supplying a tobacco ingredient containing agent and/or an inhalableagent containing foam, comprising: a foam comprising a foam stabilizingagent and a foam forming agent; and a mixture containing: a tobaccoingredient containing agent and/or an inhalable agent, and a aerosolforming agent, wherein a weight of the tobacco ingredient containingagent and/or the inhalable agent is 0.1-33 wt.-% of a weight of the foamand the mixture, and a weight of the aerosol forming agent in the kit is10-80 wt. % of the weight of the foam and the mixture.
 51. A foamcomprising a foam stabilizing agent, a foam forming agent, and anaerosol forming agent, wherein a weight of the aerosol forming agent inthe foam is 10-80 wt. % of a weight of the foam.
 52. The foam of claim51, consisting essentially of the foam stabilizing agent, the foamforming agent, and the aerosol forming agent.
 53. The foam of claim 51,consisting of the foam stabilizing agent, the foam forming agent, andthe aerosol forming agent.